What Is the SQF Fundamentals Program?

The SQF Fundamentals Program is designed for small- to medium-sized food businesses or startups that are new to structured food safety programs. It provides a clear, achievable framework based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP principles, helping companies establish a foundation for more advanced SQF certifications.

Although the Fundamentals Program is not GFSI-benchmarked, it is officially recognized by the Safe Quality Food Institute and serves as a launchpad for businesses aiming to build a mature food safety culture and eventually certify to the SQF Food Safety Code.

Who Should Consider the Fundamentals Program?

This level of SQF certification is ideal for:

• Facilities without an existing HACCP or GFSI-level food safety system
• Smaller manufacturers aiming to meet minimum customer requirements
• Startups preparing for rapid scaling and future certification needs
• Co-packers or private label producers seeking structured compliance tools

It is particularly valuable for suppliers entering competitive markets where food safety credibility is increasingly a purchase requirement.

What Does the SQF Fundamentals Program Cover?

The program focuses on implementing basic—but essential—food safety practices and documentation.

Core areas include:

• Personal hygiene and training
• Facility cleanliness and sanitation procedures
• Basic pest control and maintenance
• Allergen awareness and ingredient control
• Preliminary hazard analysis and risk-based controls
• Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Document control and recordkeeping fundamentals
• Internal inspections and monitoring protocols

The Fundamentals Program includes a scaled-down version of key SQF Code requirements, tailored to the capacity and infrastructure of smaller businesses. These standards still emphasize consistency, traceability, and accountability, but in a way that is practical and accessible.

How the Fundamentals Program Supports Long-Term Growth

While the Fundamentals Program is a standalone level of certification, its real value lies in its role as a stepping stone to full SQF certification.

Companies that implement the Fundamentals Program often report benefits such as:

• Stronger internal communication and accountability
• Streamlined training and onboarding processes
• A culture of proactive problem solving
• Reduced non-conformances during audits
• Easier transition into regulatory programs like FSMA Preventive Controls

By starting with these core principles, facilities lay the groundwork for more advanced systems, including those aligned with GFSI standards. Many of the tools developed in the Fundamentals Program—like SOP templates, corrective action logs, and audit schedules—can be refined and expanded as the company grows.

Pro Tip: Facilities pursuing the Fundamentals Program should begin adopting SQF terminology and documentation formats early to smooth the transition to higher levels. Involving cross-functional teams from the start also helps embed food safety into the organizational culture.

Preparing for SQF Certification

Although optional, a gap analysis is highly recommended before seeking certification. This provides insight into areas that may need improvement and helps facilities prioritize their efforts.

Key preparation steps include:

• Conducting internal assessments and mock audits
• Assigning or training an SQF Practitioner to lead implementation
• Creating a food safety manual and associated documentation
• Performing regular verification checks and record reviews
• Developing training modules that support policy adoption and staff understanding

Certification is granted following a third-party audit that verifies your implementation of the program’s core elements. While these audits are typically shorter and less complex than full SQF Food Safety Code audits, they still require structured evidence of compliance.

A Smart First Step Toward Full SQF Certification

For operations new to formal food safety systems, the Fundamentals Program offers more than just a checklist—it offers a growth mindset. It introduces the structure, language, and expectations of SQF in a way that builds confidence without overwhelming the team.

Facilities that start with the Fundamentals Program often find themselves better prepared, more organized, and more competitive when they choose to advance to the SQF Food Safety Code. Additionally, starting with Fundamentals can boost team morale by providing achievable wins and helping build food safety ownership across departments.

Participating in the Fundamentals Program also opens doors to SQF’s broader educational resources and support network. As Edition 10 approaches, early engagement with SQF principles positions companies to stay ahead of evolving requirements.